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He wants each of his seniors — starting outfielders Brennan Breaux and Gavin Bourgeois, and pitchers Brandon Young, Austin Bradford and Jack Burk — to return in 2021, if the Major League Baseball Draft does not take them away.

That’s the sentiment from UL baseball coach Matt Deggs in the aftermath of Monday’s ruling from the NCAA that all spring sports athletes will be granted another year of eligibility because their 2020 season was cut short by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Obviously that ball is in their court,” Deggs, who was in favor of everyone getting an extra year, said in a telephone interview Thursday. “But the door is wide open to come back.

“Every senior we had, all five of them, were really good players, and even better young men.

“So, they’re a positive influence. They’re a great example on how to go about your business every day, and what this program stands for,” Deggs added. “I would certainly hope that they would come back.”

Deggs said he’s spoken to all five.

“We’ve had really good conversations,” he said, “and I would bank on all of them — if not all of them, close to all of them — coming back.”

“We were throwing batting practice. I was actually throwing,” Deggs said, recalling that mid-March Thursday. “And I could tell some stuff was going on.

“And we ended B.P. I just didn’t want to end prematurely. We had a great practice. We were fully ready and prepared to take on Coastal — a really good Coastal ballclub. But I felt like we were playing good baseball.”

The Cajuns had opened the 2020 season, their first since the passing last July of 25-year-long head coach Tony Robichaux, 2-8.

The team still was reeling from the loss of Robichaux, who died 10 days after suffering a heart attack.

On the same opening weekend a statue of Robichaux standing outside of M.L. “Tigue” Moore Field at Russo Park was unveiled, UL went 0-3 — losing first to Southeastern Louisiana, then a pair to Louisiana Tech.

Later in the same early stretch the Cajuns went 0-4, ending with a loss to Sam Houston State — Deggs’ old club — on the opening night of a three-game non-conference series.

The bats had come alive, run production was much more consistent and voluminous.

The starting rotation was taking shape, with Young — who for a spell was working as a reliever — slated to be the Cajuns’ Friday-night starter for the start of Sun Belt play.

UL had won the last two of its series with Sam Houston, beaten Rice in a midweek road game in Houston, beaten Michigan State and Troy in the final two games of three at a tournament in Pensacola and beaten McNeese in Lake Charles when longtime associate coach Anthony Babineaux broke the news to Deggs on that March 12 off day.

The NCAA had suspended its remaining winter and all spring sports championships, including the College World Series.

The Sun Belt had not yet canceled the full regular season — it did so later on — but the series against Coastal Carolina at The Tigue clearly was not going to be played.

“I talked to Bab, looked at my phone and realized the NCAA had taken the steps that they had taken, and every conference was going to do on hiatus — some permanently (for the rest of the season), some were gonna take a month off,” said Deggs, who Cajuns won six of their last seven to finish 8-9.

“So I just told them, ‘Let’s clean up the field, go inside the clubhouse. Let’s visit.’ And I just spoke to them like men. Just kind of like a father-son talk.”

“This group, they’ve handled everything. And it’s not just about this virus. You’ve got to remember: We’ve gone through a lot of ups and a lot of downs since June. And they’ve taken everything in stride. They handled it really well, I thought.”

AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE

The Cajuns were rattled by the death of Robichaux, whose passing had been preceded early in June by that of Mastern M. “Saint” St. Julien Jr., the bus driver frequently behind the wheel for road trips by UL baseball and basketball teams.

When Deggs, a former Robichaux assistant, was hired to succeed his old boss, he took over a broken club facing an uncertain future.

Richard Hessler, retired firefighter, balloon artist, musician and kickboxer, waves to passing motorist as he volunteers his free time to deliver prescription drugs to home bound residents in Opelousas. Freddie Herpin

Mario Gagot stays busy during the Coronavirus crises by working in his home garden. Thursday afternoon found him planting an assorted variety of peppers to go along with the tomatoes, lettuce and other vegetables already planted. The Opelousas resident is a Vietnam veteran and former helicopter pilot. F. Herpin

Makeshift drive thru open at Dons Seafood in Lafayette, LA. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Drive-thru screening for the coronavirus at the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA being conducted by medical professionals from Our Lady of Lourdes and Lafayette General Health system., Wednesday, March 18, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Grocery store shelves empty as residents stock up on supplies in wake of new restrictions. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Grocery store shelves empty as residents stock up on supplies in wake of new restrictions. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Smoothiie King lobby is temporarily closed, drive thru is still open. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

STM Principle Kelley Leger sits alone in the stands as fans were not permitted to attend the LHSAA State Championship game between STM and UHIGH . Friday, March 13, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Drive-thru screening for the coronavirus at the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA being conducted by medical professionals from Our Lady of Lourdes and Lafayette General Health system., Wednesday, March 18, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Drive-thru screening for the coronavirus at the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA being conducted by medical professionals from Our Lady of Lourdes and Lafayette General Health system., Wednesday, March 18, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Drive-thru screening for the coronavirus at the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA being conducted by medical professionals from Our Lady of Lourdes and Lafayette General Health system., Wednesday, March 18, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Dr. Tina Stefanski, the regional medical director for the Office of Public Health in Acadiana, speaking with media to provide updates to the status of the COVID-19 pandemic in Lafayette Parish. Wednesday, March 18, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

SLEMCO Lineman Durk Baudoin making repairs to a power line on Hwy 167. Utility workers are regarded as essential and asked to report to work as residents are asked to stay home. Monday, March 23, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Like everywhere else Opelousas is feeling the effectds of the Corsonavirus but life goes on as evidenced from the photos taken Tuesday morning around Opelousas. Arthur Jones and Neil Chenier doing yard work near South City Park. F. Herpin

Grocery store shelves empty as residents stock up on supplies in wake of new restrictions. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Grocery store shelves empty as residents stock up on supplies in wake of new restrictions. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Grocery store shelves empty as residents stock up on supplies in wake of new restrictions. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Drive-thru screening for the coronavirus at the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA being conducted by medical professionals from Our Lady of Lourdes and Lafayette General Health system., Wednesday, March 18, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Officer Derick Miles speaking with Mayor President Josh Guillory. Drive-thru screening for the coronavirus at the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA being conducted by medical professionals from Our Lady of Lourdes and Lafayette General Health system., Wednesday, March 18, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Drive-thru screening for the coronavirus at the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA being conducted by medical professionals from Our Lady of Lourdes and Lafayette General Health system., Wednesday, March 18, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Dr. Tina Stefanski, the regional medical director for the Office of Public Health in Acadiana, speaking with media to provide updates to the status of the COVID-19 pandemic in Lafayette Parish. Wednesday, March 18, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Drive-thru screening for the coronavirus at the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA being conducted by medical professionals from Our Lady of Lourdes and Lafayette General Health system., Wednesday, March 18, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Red's Health Club is closed due to state wide mandate. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Rocky and Debbie Carter enjoying lunch outsdide at Twins Burgers. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Smoothiie King lobby is temporarily closed, drive thru is still open. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Brandy Mitchell serving customer at makeshift drive thru at Dwights Restaurant in Lafayette, LA. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Makeshift drive thru at Dwights Restaurant in Lafayette, LA. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Rocky and Debbie Carter enjoying lunch outsdide at Twins Burgers. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Makeshift drive thru at Dwights Restaurant in Lafayette, LA. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Makeshift drive thru open at Dons Seafood in Lafayette, LA. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Makeshift drive thru open at Dons Seafood in Lafayette, LA. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

The Grand Theatre on Johnston St. is closed to the public. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

The Grand Theatre on Johnston St. is closed to the public. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Red's Health Club is closed due to state wide mandate. Local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The restrictions designed to reduce social gatherings by limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. Tuesday, March 17, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

Red's Health Club is closed due to a state wide mandate, one of many local business coping with restrictions to comply with new rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

A SLEMCO work crew is making repairs to a power line on Hwy 167. Utility workers are regarded as essential and asked to report to work as residents are asked to stay home. Monday, March 23, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network

SLEMCO Lineman Durk Baudoin making repairs to a power line on Hwy 167. Utility workers are regarded as essential and asked to report to work as residents are asked to stay home. Monday, March 23, 2020. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network